Delta variant puts health pass to stiff test

Germany is putting its faith in a health-pass system that lets vaccinated people get into public venues as concerns mount over a deepening wave of coronavirus infections.

Evidence of inoculation with a European Union-approved vaccine provides one way for German residents and tourists to enter venues, including restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, gyms and salons, as well as to events with large crowds. Doors also open for those showing proof they have tested negative for COVID-19.

The health pass, introduced early this month, is facing a stern test with the rise in infections driven by the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

The Robert Koch Institute said on Monday that 3,668 cases had been added from the day before. That's 1,542 more than a week earlier, said the institute, a federal agency that tracks infections in the country.

The country's seven-day incidence rate, which had climbed above 50 over the weekend, rose to 56.4 per 100,000 people on Monday, according to the agency. A week earlier, the seven-day coronavirus case rate was still 36.2.

Health Minister Jens Spahn told German public television broadcasters ARD and ZDF on Monday that it is "outdated" to impose stricter COVID-19 measures on the basis of an incidence of 50 or higher.

Aside from the health pass, people can show proof of a recent negative COVID-19 test or that have recently recovered from the virus. Tests will be provided for free until mid-October, when they will then cost up to 20 euros ($23.50).

Germany acted to bring in the system when Chancellor Angela Merkel, early this month, noted that the nation was no longer the EU leader on vaccination rates.

The system is backed by the federal government, though implementation differs slightly across the nation's 16 states.

The government advises that the system should be triggered when infections exceed 35 cases per 100,000 people during a seven-day period but some states have opted for a lower threshold.

Some nightclubs and sports stadiums have opted for a stricter system, which grants entry only to people who can provide proof of their vaccination or recent recovery from COVID-19.

This has led to protests, including among soccer fans, who argue that the system discriminates against people who do not wish to get vaccinated.

Xinhua contributed to this story.